Sail Away Lady – Roger McGuinn's Folk Den

'Sail Away Lady' is typical of the kind of dance music that was popular in America in the period between the Revolutionary and Civil Wars. By the 17th Century the banjo had been introduced to this continent from West Africa. The European settlers generally used the violin unaccompanied for dancing, and sang unaccompanied or with a violin only. Increased social contacts of various kinds during the middle 19th century popularized the violin – banjo combination. This tune can be found in almost every collection of fiddle music.

I first heard 'Sail Away Lady' in the mid '50s at the Gate of Horn in Chicago, sung by Odetta. She had a big rolling style on this song with a huge crescendo on the choruses.

Lyrics:

G D G
Ain't no use to sit and cry
G D G
Sail away lady sail away
G D G
You'll be an angel bye and bye
G D G
Sail away lady sail away

C
Don't you rock 'im die – de – O
G
Don't you rock 'im die – de – O
D
Don't you rock 'im die – de – O
G
Don't you rock 'im die – de -O

Well I've got a home in Tennessee
Sail away lady sail away
That is where I'd rather be
Sail away lady sail away

Don't you rock 'im die – de – O
Don't you rock 'im die – de – O
Don't you rock 'im die – de – O
Don't you rock 'im die – de – O

Now come along boys and go with me
Sail away lady sail away
We'll go down to Tennessee
Sail away lady sail away

Don't you rock 'im die – de – O
Don't you rock 'im die – de – O
Don't you rock 'im die – de – O
Don't you rock 'im die – de – O

Whenever I get my new house done
Sail away lady sail away
Love you pretty girls one by one
Sail away lady sail away

Don't you rock 'im die – de – O
Don't you rock 'im die – de – O
Don't you rock 'im die – de – O
Don't you rock 'im die – de – O

Hush little baby don't you cry
Sail away lady sail away
You'll be an angel bye and bye
Sail away lady sail away

Don't you rock 'im die – de – O
Don't you rock 'im die – de – O
Don't you rock 'im die – de – O
Don't you rock 'im die – de – O